Minas Tirith Reports

🇸🇾Kurdish Forces Complete Aleppo Withdrawal Under Ceasefire The remaining Asayish fighters, also known as Internal Security Forces, have fully withdrawn from Aleppo city. The evacuation from Sheikh Maqsoud to SDF-controlled Deir Hafer in northeast Syria was completed via buses. This operation was coordinated with the Syrian government. The withdrawal occurred under a ceasefire deal. The agreement, reported by Syrian state broadcaster Ekhbariya, includes evacuating civilians and fighters from Ashrafiyya and Sheikh Maksoud to northern and eastern Syria. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇬🇧🇩🇪🇸🇦USAF C-17 Activity in Middle East, UK; Iran Protests Subside Recent C-17 activity involves movements from Germany to the Middle East, specifically towards Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. This activity potentially involves deploying air defense equipment amid rising tensions with Iran. Earlier C-17 activity in the UK was related to seizing Bella-1 and not a Middle East deployment. Reports of a U.S. military buildup in the Middle East are false, and protests in Iran have decreased. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇻🇪U.S. Considers Lifting Venezuela Sanctions After Prisoner Release U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent indicated the U.S. may lift Venezuela sanctions next week to enable oil sales. The U.S. also plans re-engagement with the IMF and World Bank regarding Venezuela. This includes potential access to nearly $5 billion in frozen IMF assets. Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners. The U.S. has expressed gratitude for this action. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇻🇪Venezuela Rejects U.S. Travel Warning as Flights Resume The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent advisory for American citizens to immediately depart Venezuela due to the unstable security situation. Reports indicate the presence of armed militias, known as colectivos, actively searching vehicles for U.S. citizens or supporters. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and monitor airline communications for updated departure information. Road travel poses heightened risks due to colectivos establishing roadblocks. The advisory cautions travelers to stay alert and take safety measures. International flights have now resumed. Venezuela has rejected the U.S. State Department’s security warning, calling it a fabrication designed to falsely portray the country as unsafe. The Foreign Ministry insists Venezuela is in “absolute calm, peace, and stability.” Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇦🇹🇩🇪🇹🇷🇦🇿Airlines Suspend Flights to Iran Amid Rising Regional Tensions Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines join Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, and Azerbaijan Airlines in suspending all flights to Iran. This widespread cancellation indicates growing concerns regarding the region. The suspensions will likely impact travel and commerce in and out of Iran. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇷🇸🇾Hegseth Amplifies Trump's Iran Warning, Comments on ISIS Strikes Pete Hegseth reposted Donald Trump's message regarding Iran. The message contains a warning to the Iranian regime. This amplification underscores a continued hawkish stance towards Iran within conservative circles. Hegseth also commented on U.S. strikes targeting ISIS in Syria, stating, "We will never forget, and never relent." Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇻🇪🇺🇸🇨🇴Venezuela: Maduro Commitment, US Condemnation, and Gran Colombia Proposal Acting President Delcy Rodríguez pledged unwavering commitment to reinstate Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. The statement underscores the ongoing political tensions within Venezuela. Rodríguez further condemned the alleged criminal aggression against the Venezuelan people on January 3, vowing it will stain US-Venezuela relations. Venezuela and the US are exploring opening embassies to address the aggression through diplomacy. Colombian President Petro has now proposed rebuilding Gran Colombia as a confederation of autonomous nations through a constituent vote. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Iran Protests Continue; "Death to Khamenei" Heard in Tehran Reports indicate widespread protests are unfolding in Iran. Demonstrations have been confirmed in Ponak Square, Tehran, and the Banafsheh neighborhood of Karaj. The gatherings suggest growing public discontent within the Islamic Republic. Photos confirm protesters have gathered in the streets of the Banafsheh neighborhood in Karaj. Visual evidence suggests that protests tonight have been smaller in scale compared to the past two days. Protesters in Tehran were heard shouting "Long Live the King" in the Pasdaran neighborhood. "Death to Khamenei" was also heard in Ekbatan, Tehran. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Iran's Hospitals Overwhelmed; Protester Deaths Mount Iranian hospitals are in crisis as they struggle to treat injured protesters targeted by regime security forces. Farabi Hospital in Tehran has suspended outpatient services, focusing solely on emergency cases. Reports indicate many protesters arrive with gunshot wounds, particularly to the head and eye area, suggesting deliberate targeting. A Tehran hospital worker reports dozens of deaths, with morgues overflowing and bodies stacked in prayer rooms. Human rights groups estimate at least 200 protesters have been killed, with the actual number likely much higher. CNN reports that recent protesters witnessed brutal violence and numerous deaths, with one woman describing "bodies piled up on each other" in a hospital. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated